Why and where do I need a Fire Guard Outlet?Updated 4 months ago
Q: Why do I need the Fire Guard Outlet?
A Consumer Reports analysis of National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) showed more than half of all house fires (approximately 69,000) throughout a seven-year span had appliances—like dishwashers, refrigerators and microwaves—listed as the primary cause.
Based on residential fire loss data collected from 2017-2019 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, when considering appliances compatible with the Fire Guard Outlet (HVAC equipment, microwaves, A/V equipment, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.), installing a Fire Guard Outlet has the potential every year to prevent:
30 deaths
280 injuries
$226.9 million in property damage
Just think of all the appliances and devices that remain powered on while unattended throughout the home, and the risk we take every time we walk away or leave the house and let technology take over. These risks are only increasing as appliances get ‘smarter’ and change settings, temperatures and more based on internal gauges and components.
Q: Where would I use the Fire Guard Outlet?
The Fire Guard Outlet can be connected to just about any device or appliance that may be left powered on and running while unattended, like:
Microwaves
Faulty wiring, overheating of food/packaging and other fire risks are associated with microwaves, which are typically left powered on (sometimes even running) while unattended, making microwaves one of the most common applications for use with a Fire Guard Outlet.
Dishwashers
Issues with wiring within the dishwasher control panel and circuit boards compromised by rinse aid leaks are two known fire risks associated with dishwashers, making this another of the most common applications for the Fire Guard Outlet.
Appliance Garages
Appliance garages are designed to keep your countertop appliances connected and ready, while tucked neatly out of sight. A Fire Guard Outlet offers an additional layer of safety for appliance garage applications.
Gas Dryers
While the most common risk of a dryer fire is lint build up on the screen or exhaust duct, there are also electrical components to gas dryers that can pose a fire risk. Since you're not actively monitoring the dryer during its cycle, a Fire Guard Outlet offers an extra layer of safety.
3D Printers
3D printers can run for hours or even days on end, often unsupervised for these long periods of time, which adds to the many known fire risks of these devices. By connecting a Fire Guard Outlet to your 3D printer, you're mitigating those risks by stopping 3D printer fires before they start.
AV Closets
In an AV closet, you might have audio/video equipment, gaming consoles, or networking devices. These devices often generate heat and can be prone to electrical malfunctions. Use the Fire Guard Outlet to mitigate fire risks in AV closets.
Vacuum Charging Closets
Vacuum charging closets are dedicated spaces for charging cordless vacuums. Lithium-ion batteries used in these vacuums can be prone to overheating and fire hazards if not handled properly.
Attics
Attics often house electrical components like wiring, junction boxes, or HVAC systems. These components can be susceptible to fire hazards due to factors such as insulation, heat buildup, or faulty wiring, and are especially risky considering how infrequently the attic is visited or monitored.
Crawl Spaces
Crawl spaces are areas beneath your house that often contain electrical wiring, junction boxes, or HVAC equipment—much like attics (check out 4 key things crawl spaces and attics have in common). These spaces can be challenging to access regularly and may go unnoticed for long periods, so an added layer of safety can enhance peace of mind for the whole family.
Refrigerators
Refrigerator fires can be caused by faulty thermostats, damaged power cords, and electrical malfunctions—as was the case with the Grenfell Tower fire. Overloading electrical circuits can also increase the risk of a fire.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heater fires can be caused by combustion malfunctions, gas leaks, overheating, and electrical issues. The Fire Guard Outlet can detect overheating or electrical malfunctions and will mitigate fire hazards by de-energizing the outlet and cutting off power to the water heater.
Other applications include grow lights, fans, lithium battery charging, and many more.